(The
Best Years in Life)The sinuses are cavities within the bone structure of the face
that are normally filled with air and play an integral role in your nasal
system. When operating normally, the sinuses employ tiny hairs calledciliaand
naturally occurring mucous to keep the nasal passages clear and operating
efficiently so they can cleanse and filter the air we breathe. Sinusitis
(meaning “inflammation of the sinuses”) occurs when the sinuses become
irritated, swollen, or infected, and this can occur due to various causes.

Sinusitis can be acute (often associated with a cold or other respiratory
infection) or chronic (often caused by allergies or other environmental
conditions related to yeast, mold, or fungi in the atmosphere).

If you have a bad cold and are not sure if it has changed into sinusitis,
there are a couple of simple tests you can perform. Mucous (from bacterial
or viral infections) will often fill up sinus cavities if sinusitis is
present. Tapping on the sinus cavities can help tell if they are backed up
or not. Also, try shining a flashlight on the facial skin outside sinus
cavities. Light will be visible inside the mouth if they are not clogged.
Your health care provider can perform these tests, or a friend or family
member who is knowledgeable about sinus cavity locations.

Major Causes of
Sinusitis

Many recent studies have indicated that yeast
infections in the body (such as Candida and others) may be responsible
for many cases of sinusitis. Yeast overgrowth can be the cause of
ongoing or chronic sinusitis.

Viral infections, such as the common cold, can often trigger acute
sinusitis (which can turn into chronic).

Fungi in the atmosphere is also a key factor in many sinusitis
cases, especially for people who are sensitive or pre-disposed to fungal
irritation. Mold and other types of fungii can cause the immune system
to produce inflammatory agents that can lead to sinusitis.

Allergies such as hay fever, asthma, and others can also trigger
sinusitis.

Other less common sources for sinusitis include facial trauma or
birth defects that result in an abnormal facial structure. Some medical
conditions can also cause excess mucous to accumulate in the body,
including the sinuses. Cystic fibrosis is an example of such a
condition.

How to Naturally Treat
and Prevent Sinusitis

There are several steps you can take to prevent yourself from ever getting
sinusitis or to deal with it effectively if it should occur.

Avoiding the use of antibiotic drugs is one of the best tips. Often, the
first thing many doctors will do is to prescribe antibiotics for a bad cold
or suspected sinusitis. Typically, these are viral infections and
antibiotics will have no effect anyway. But in addition, if your body is
inundated with antibiotics, true bacterial infections will become immune to
these drugs. This only increases your risk for sinusitis and other
infections. Here are some other practical sinusitis fighting techniques:

Hydration. Drink
generous amounts of pure, filtered water. This will do many beneficial
things for your body, including keeping your mucous membranes moist and
healthy. This alone will prevent many cases of sinusitis.

Moist Air.Use
a humidifier, especially during the winter months, to keep the air in
your home moist. This will also keep your mucous membranes healthy and
less prone to infection.

Warm Compresses.If
you do develop sinusitis, try applying warm compresses on your face and
head. These will keep mucous in the sinus cavities more fluid and thus
more easily expelled from the body. It may also help reduce pressure and
pain.

Environmental Pollutants.Avoid
environments that are polluted with pollen, mold, smoke, and other
potential irritants. If these common triggers of sinusitis can be
avoided, it will certainly be to your benefit.

Liver Support. Your liver is the main filter of
your body. When it is toxic or sluggish infections have a stronger hold
on the body. Liver
cleansingwill help to
support your immune system as well as making sure that your body is
eliminating toxins effectively.

Yeast/Candida.Be
watchful for symptoms of yeast overgrowth and other factors such as
antibiotic use that can encourage Candida. It is also recommended that
you use aquality
probioticto promote
intestinal health and beneficial flora in the body. Performing a
therapeutic parasite cleanse with a product calledParaPure™
can help in getting yeast infections under control. ACS200along
withACZis
also recommended for yeast overgrowth.

Wild Mediterranean Oregano Oilis
highly beneficial in controlling yeast overgrowth as well as helping
with allergies and sinus inflammation. The one my family uses and finds
effective and the one I recommend to clients isOregasil™.

Healthy Diet. Juicing fresh vegetables and fruits
will not only make you feel better but it will help to boost your immune
system. Eliminate sugar, white flour, dairy, hydrogenated oils and
pre-packaged foods. Focus on foods that are pure and anti-inflammatory.

Salt-Air Respiratory Inhaler.The
use of salt for therapeutic treatment for asthma, sinus concerns and
other respiratory ailments has been practiced successfully through the
ages. Halotherapy (Halo=Salt in Greek), and Speleo-therapy (Speleos=Cave),
are well known in Europe. Many find this an exceptional way to help
clear sinus congestion.

Steam.Inhaling
steam with a few drops of eucalyptus essential oil in it can loosen up
sinus congestion and allow for better drainage and faster healing. Try
putting a towel over your head to form a tent that will give you the
best results.

Don’t Skip on Sleep.Quality
sleep is critical too, especially when fighting sinus or other
infections. Try sleeping with your head elevated. You will be able to
breathe more easily and get the sleep your body needs to speed your
return to wellness. Be sure to allergen-proof your bedding and pillows.

Immune Enhancement.During
cold, flu and allergy season using an immune enhancer can be very
profitable in curbing sinus and yeast infections. Lauricidin®
(anti-bacterial, fungal/yeast and viral) offers a distinctive
neutriceutical alternative to drugs and antibiotics.

Loretta
Lanphier, NP, CN, CH, HHP is a Naturopathic Practitioner, Clinical
Nutritionist, Clinical Herbalist and Holistic Health Practitioner as well as
Founder/CEO ofOasis
Advanced Wellness.As
a stage III cancer survivor since 2000, she understands the necessity of
providing the body with what it needs to repair and heal. Loretta is
dedicated to helping people create lasting changes in their health and
well-being through whole body nutritional balancing, physician strength
supplementation and up-to-date natural health education and modalities.
Loretta is Editor and contributor to the worldwide e-newsletter Advanced
Health & Wellnessand
her new health and wellness blogExhibit
Health. She is also a co-moderator of our Yahoo Health Group
focused on cancer,
Oleandersoup.

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